Larry Blevins - There is much to be said about Larry Blevins. His encyclopedic knowledge of Bill Monroe is amazing! Bill Monroe was a mentor to Larry and he learned his lessons well! Larry can likely tell you more about bluegrass music than almost any one around. Larry began to play guitar in 1955, and went on to play mandolin in 1963. Since that time he has never looked back. Along with his brother Don, Larry formed the band The Virginia Mountain Boys in 1964. They stopped playing as a band around 1967. Larry played with Red Smiley and his group off and on in 1972, until Smiley passed away. Presently Larry owns Virginia Mountain Studios, repairing recording equipment, for the most part. He is constantly on the go with his work. In 1968 Larry became World Champion on the mandolin at Union Grove ,NC. Larry gives much credit to Spencer Moore for his enduring influence. The Smyth County Jam is fortunate to have Larry Blevins play at this venue.
